Awards, in the form of decorations and medals of honor, are bestowed upon individuals of merit, in recognition of their national or public services, and in honor of their distinguished accomplishments in various areas of society. The Biannual Decoration Ceremonies, Medals of Honor and Order of Culture are high-profile awards that receive wide media coverage.

Five of the six types of medals are coferred biannually on April 29 for the spring and on November 3 for the autumn, concurrently with the Biannual Conferment of Decorations.One of them is the Medal with Purple Ribbon. It isawarded to individuals who have contributed to academic and artistic developments, improvements and accomplishments.

●Professor Akira Furusawa

It's like a dream to receive this medal because my research field is very new. I think it's not only for me but for all concerned in it. I'd like to express my heartfelt thanks to them.